Mountain Skills Academy
Certified guides for the via ferrata, the big hikes, the ice caves and everything in the backcountry
Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures is the guiding company Whistler locals use. Its certified guides run the trips that need real mountain knowledge: the via ferrata on Whistler Mountain, day hikes to Garibaldi and Cheakamus lakes, helicopter access to ice caves, avalanche safety courses and multi-day ski traverses.
Most of the summer trips are open to all ages and any reasonable level of fitness. The technical winter courses are for people who want to learn to travel in the backcountry properly. The full programme, with live availability, is in the booking list below.
Guided days for every level
The Whistler Via Ferrata is the signature summer experience: a protected climbing route of iron rungs and cables up the rock above the Roundhouse, no climbing experience needed, with the Peak 2 Peak and the glaciers as the backdrop. It runs from May to September and takes a few hours from the top of the gondola.
The guided hikes go to places the Village trails do not: Garibaldi Lake, a six to eight hour day for moderately fit walkers, and Cheakamus Lake, a three to four hour walk suitable for families. The Ice Cave Adventure uses a helicopter to reach glacier caves and runs for most of the year outside the deepest winter.
In winter the Academy teaches the AST 1 avalanche course over two to three days, runs guided backcountry ski touring on a punch-card basis and leads the three-day Spearhead Traverse for experienced skiers. Gear requirements and meeting points vary by trip and are set out on each listing.
Whistler Via Ferrata
Cabled climbing route above the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain. No experience needed.
Cheakamus Lake Hike
A gentle forest walk to a turquoise glacial lake. Good for families.
Garibaldi Lake Hike
The classic big day in Garibaldi Provincial Park for fit walkers.
Ice Cave Adventure
Helicopter access to glacier ice caves with a guide.
AST 1 Avalanche Course
The standard introduction to avalanche safety for backcountry travel.
Spearhead Traverse
The hut-to-hut ski traverse between Blackcomb and Whistler for advanced skiers.
Check availability and book
Live availability and secure online booking with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures. Your booking is confirmed by Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures and Whistler Wired is on hand if you need a hand with timings, transfers or the rest of your stay.
Prefer to book through us, or planning for a group? connect@whistlerwired.com
